Book 295

Old Radio Sets

by Jonathan Hill

Published 30 September 1993
The radio has been part of home entertainment for over 75 years, and tens of thousands of different models have been designed, manufactured, enjoyed and then discarded as a new or improved model came on the scene. Generations have enjoyed their favourite programmes or have sat enthralled as some historic event unfolded through the radio's loudspeaker. This book describes the development of the radio (or the 'wireless' as it was more properly known in pre-war days) from the late Victorian era until the late 1960s, showing many rare and unusual sets once so familiar to listeners. A surprising number of early radios have survived - even those made before broadcasting got under way in the early 1920s and which would look more at home on the bench of a science laboratory than in the corner of a cosy lounge.